During the lectures, we familiarize ourselves with mechanisms and drives of the contemporary machines. We will analyze their principles, describe their design and application. The most common kinematic and hydraulic mechanisms will be introduced as well as an electric and internal combustion engines. Attention is also paid to the microelectromechanical systems and renewable energy engines. We will discuss the application of mechanisms in various engineering branches. For example, you will learn about powerful engines for motorsport, design of high-speed cams, unconventional transmission design or about applications of universal-joint shafts.

We will deal with two practically oriented semestral projects during the practicals. At first, we will analyze the kinematic and dynamic parameters of the 11 kW serial combustion engine. Assessment of the internal loads in the crank mechanism is result of the analysis process. Understanding of such loads is essential for the design of the crank mechanism internal parts like the connecting rod or crankshaft. We will deal with analysis of the kinematic quantities of the cam mechanism afterwards. We will focus particularly on the analysis of the maximum acceleration values related to the various design of cams. Measuring of the combustion engine operational parameters and measuring of the cam displacement diagram will be conducted within laboratory practicals.